German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday called for the end of what he labelled Iran’s “terror regime”, saying Israel’s recent attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities serve the interests of the West. Speaking on the second day of the G7 summit in Canada, Merz also suggested that limited diplomatic engagement with Tehran remains possible — but warned that Israel may finish what it started if talks fail.
“This regime should end. It’s a regime of terror — internally and externally,” Merz told Germany’s public broadcaster ZDF. “Israel’s strikes against nuclear facilities may accelerate that outcome.”
His remarks come amid heightened tension in the Middle East following a series of Israeli airstrikes that targeted suspected nuclear infrastructure inside Iran. While the full extent of the damage is not yet confirmed, Merz said the attacks have significantly disrupted Iran’s atomic programme, which he claimed posed a grave threat to global security.
“Iran brings death and destruction to the world through attacks, assassinations, and its ties with Hezbollah and Hamas,” he said, adding that the 7 October 2023 Hamas assault on Israel “could not have happened without Iranian backing”.
While staunchly defending Israel’s military actions, Merz suggested there may still be space for diplomacy. “There remains a group within the Iranian government with whom talks could resume. Our offer for negotiations is still on the table,” he said. “But if Tehran refuses, Israel will complete the process.”
He also appealed to the United States to bolster Israeli defence capacities. “Israel lacks some of the necessary weapons. The Americans have them. I expect discussions are ongoing about whether they will provide them,” Merz added.
The Chancellor further accused Iran of threatening global stability by supplying drones to Russia in its war against Ukraine.
“In truth, Israel is doing the dirty work for all of us,” Merz concluded. “I respect the Israeli government and army for having the courage to act. Otherwise, we could have faced months or years more of this regime’s terror.”
